Rollable optical fiber ribbon

ABSTRACT

An optical ribbon is provided. The optical ribbon includes a plurality of optical transmission elements. The ribbon includes a ribbon body coupled to and supporting the plurality of optical transmission elements. The ribbon body is formed from a flexible polymeric material such that the plurality of optical transmission elements are reversibly movable between an aligned position in which the plurality of optical transmission elements are substantially parallel with each other and a curved position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/920,706, filed on Mar. 14, 2018, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/216,757,filed on Jul. 22, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,939,599, which claims thebenefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/199,281,filed on Jul. 31, 2015, the content of which is relied upon andincorporated herein by reference in entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates generally to optical fibers and more particularlyto optical communication or fiber ribbons. Optical fibers have seenincreased use in a wide variety of electronics and telecommunicationsfields. Optical fiber ribbons may hold multiple optical fibers togetherin a group or array. The optical fiber ribbon includes a body formedfrom a material that holds the optical fibers together and/or thatprovides structure that assists in the handling and connecting of theoptical fibers of the ribbon to various components or devices.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a rollable optical fiberribbon including a plurality of optical transmission elements. Eachoptical transmission element includes an optical core surrounded by acladding of a different refractive index than the optical core, and thecladding is surrounded by a fiber coating layer. The fiber coating layerhas an inner surface contacting the cladding and an outer surfacedefining an exterior surface of the optical transmission elements. Theribbon also includes a ribbon body coupled to and supporting theplurality of optical transmission elements in an array. The ribbon bodyis contiguous lengthwise for at least 10 cm along the length of theplurality of optical transmission elements and is contiguous widthwiseover the plurality of optical transmission elements. The ribbon body isformed from a flexible polymeric material such that the plurality ofoptical transmission elements are reversibly movable from an unrolledposition in which the plurality of optical transmission elements aresubstantially aligned with each other to a rolled position.

An additional embodiment of the disclosure relates to an optical ribbonthat includes a plurality of optical transmission elements, and eachoptical transmission element includes an optical core and an exteriorsurface. The ribbon includes a ribbon body coupled to and supporting theplurality of optical transmission elements. The ribbon body iscontiguous lengthwise for at least 10 cm along the length of theplurality of optical transmission elements. The ribbon body is formedfrom a flexible polymeric material such that the plurality of opticaltransmission elements are reversibly movable between an aligned positionin which the plurality optical transmission elements are substantiallyparallel with each other and a curved position. Each of the plurality ofoptical transmission elements includes a central axis extending througha center point of the optical core. In the aligned position at least 90%of the polymeric material of the ribbon body is located on one side ofcentral axes of the plurality of optical transmission elements.

An additional embodiment of the disclosure relates to an optical fiberribbon that includes a plurality of optical fibers and a flexible ribbonbody coupled to and supporting the plurality of optical fibers. Theribbon body is contiguous lengthwise for at least 10 cm along the lengthof the plurality of optical fibers. The ribbon body is formed from aflexible polymeric material such that the plurality of optical fibersare bendable around a longitudinal axis of the ribbon. Each of theplurality of optical fibers includes a central axis, and at least 90% ofthe polymeric material of the ribbon body is located on one side of thecentral axes of the plurality of optical fibers. The ribbon bodypartially surrounds the plurality of optical fibers such that an outersurface of the ribbon body defines an outermost surface on a first sideof the ribbon, and exterior surfaces of the optical fibers define anoutermost surface on a second side of the ribbon opposite the first sideof the ribbon.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing theembodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof,as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are merely exemplary, and areintended to provide an overview or framework to understand the natureand character of the claims.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of thisspecification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), andtogether with the description serve to explain principles and operationof the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a rollable optical fiber ribbonaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber ribbon of FIG.1 in an unrolled or aligned position according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber ribbon of FIG.1 in a rolled or curved position according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a rollable optical fiber ribbonaccording to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a rollable optical fiber ribbonaccording to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the rollable optical fiber ribbonof FIG. 5 in a rolled or curved position according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the rollable optical fiber ribbonof FIG. 5 in another rolled or curved position according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a rollable optical fiber ribbonaccording to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a rollable optical fiber ribbonaccording to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a rollable optical fiber ribbonaccording to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a rollable optical fiber ribbonin a rolled or curved position according to another exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a rollable optical fiber ribbonin a rolled or curved position according to another exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a rollable optical fiber ribbonin a rolled or curved position located within a buffer tube according toanother exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a rollable optical fiber ribbonin a rolled or curved position located within a buffer tube according toanother exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows a system configured to form a rollable optical fiberribbon according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of cable including rollable opticalfiber ribbons according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of an opticalribbon are shown. In general, the ribbon embodiments disclosed hereinare configured to allow the ribbon to be bent, curved or rolled from anunrolled position to a rolled or curved position. In such embodiments,optical transmission elements (e.g., optical fibers) are coupled to andsupported by a ribbon body. The ribbon body is formed from a materialand configured to provide sufficient support, structure and protectionto the optical fibers of the ribbon, while at the same time allowing theribbon to be rolled and unrolled as needed.

Specifically, in various embodiments, the ribbon embodiments disclosedherein utilize a ribbon body that partially surrounds the opticalfibers. In various embodiments, the ribbon body is contiguous bothlengthwise and widthwise over the optical fibers. In variousembodiments, substantially all of the ribbon body is located on one sideof the central ribbon plane. Applicant believes the configurations ofthe ribbon body discussed herein provides sufficient rollability whilestill providing sufficient support and protection to the optical fibers.Further, in various embodiments, the ribbon body is formed from apolymer material that has an elasticity and/or thickness that furtherfacilitates the rollability of the ribbon. Providing a rollable opticalfiber ribbon as discussed herein may provide a number of benefits ascompared to conventional optical fiber ribbons or conventional loosebuffered optical fibers including increased fiber count, higher packingdensity, easier connectorization, higher transmission rates, decreasedribbon size and may eliminate the need for buffer tubes, in at leastsome applications.

Referring to FIG. 1, a rollable optical ribbon, shown as optical fiberribbon 10, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Ribbon 10includes a ribbon body, shown as ribbon matrix 12, and also includes anarray 14 of a plurality of optical transmission elements, shown asoptical fibers 16. Optical fibers 16 are coupled to and supported by thematerial of ribbon matrix 12. In the embodiment shown, ribbon 10 isshown in an unrolled or aligned position, and in this position, array 14is a parallel array of optical fibers in which the central axes 18 ofeach fiber (i.e., the axis of each optical fiber 16 perpendicular to thecross-section shown in FIG. 2) are substantially parallel to each other.In other embodiments, the optical fibers may be arranged in non-parallelarrays within ribbon body 12 (e.g., two by two arrays, staggered arrays,etc.).

In the embodiment shown, ribbon 10 includes a single linear array 14 ofoptical fibers 14. In some other embodiments, ribbon 10 includesmultiple arrays 14 of optical fibers 16. In some embodiments, ribbon 10includes at least two linear arrays 14. In some other embodiments,ribbon 10 includes at least four linear arrays 14. In still otherembodiments, ribbon 10 includes of at least eight linear arrays 14. Inyet still other embodiments, ribbon 10 includes of at least 16 lineararrays 14. In some embodiments, each linear array 14 of ribbon 10 has atleast two optical fibers 16. In some other embodiments, each lineararray 14 of ribbon 10 has at least four optical fibers 16. In stillother embodiments, each linear array 14 of ribbon 10 has at least 8optical fibers 16. In yet still other embodiments, each linear array 14of ribbon 10 has at least 12 optical fibers 16.

In the embodiment shown, each optical fiber 16 includes a centralportion 20 that includes an optically transmitting optical core 22 and acladding layer 24. Optical fibers 16 also each include a coating layer26. Optical core 22 is formed from a material that transmits light, andoptical core 22 is surrounded by a cladding layer 24 that has adifferent refractive index (e.g., a lower refractive index) than theoptical core 22 such that the optical fiber acts as a waveguide thatretains a light signal within optical core 22.

Coating layer 26 surrounds both optical core 22 and cladding layer 24.In particular, coating layer 26 has an inner surface that contacts andis bonded to the outer surface of cladding layer 24. Coating layer 26also has an outer surface 28 that defines the outer or exterior surfaceof each optical fiber 16. In the embodiment shown, coating layer 26 is asingle layer formed from a single material that provides protection(e.g., protection from scratches, chips, etc.) to optical fibers 16. Invarious embodiments, coating layer 26 may be a UV curable acrylatematerial, and may have a thickness between 10 μm and 100 μm. In theembodiment shown, an inner surface of ribbon matrix 12 is bonded,adhered or coupled to outer surface 28 of each optical fiber 16.

Ribbon matrix 12 is configured in various ways to allow ribbon 10 to bereversibly moved from an unrolled or aligned position (shown in FIGS. 1and 2) to a curved or rolled position shown in FIG. 3, while stillproviding sufficient support and structure for fibers 16. It should beunderstood that FIGS. 2 and 3 only show the end portions of ribbon 10for convenience, as represented by the break lines shown in FIGS. 2 and3.

In the unrolled or aligned position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, opticalfibers 16 of the linear array 14 are substantially aligned with eachother such that the central axes of the optical fiber 16 are parallel toeach other and lie along the same central fiber plane 30. As usedherein, substantial alignment between optical fibers 16 allows for somedeviation between the central axes of the optical fibers and centralfiber plane 30, such that the central axis of each substantially alignedfiber is spaced less than 45 μm, in some embodiments less than 20 μm, inother embodiments less than 10 μm, and in other embodiments less than 5μm, from central fiber plane 30 and/or the maximum vertical distance (inthe orientation of FIGS. 1 and 2) between the center points of any ofthe fibers 16 is 90 μm or less. Further, in the unrolled or alignedposition, the horizontal distance (in the orientation of FIGS. 1 and 2)between the optical fibers 16 at opposing ends of array 14, shown asfirst end fiber 32 and second end fiber 34, is at a maximum.

To move from the unrolled position of FIG. 2 to the rolled positionshown in FIG. 3, ribbon matrix 12 is bent or curved around ribbonlongitudinal axis 36. Thus, in the curved position, fibers 16 define anarc or curve around longitudinal axis 36, and the horizontal distancebetween first end fiber 32 and second end fiber 34 is decreased. In thisarrangement, when rolled ribbon 10 is held straight the central axes ofoptical fibers 16 are substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 36. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 3, ribbon 10 in the curved position assumesa substantially circular arrangement such that first end fiber 32 isbrought into close proximity or into contact with second end fiber 34.In the embodiment shown, ribbon matrix 12 is configured such that whenribbon 10 is rolled, ribbon matrix 12 is located on the inside of therolled ribbon such that a surface 38 of ribbon matrix 12 opposite ofoptical fibers 16 faces longitudinal axis 36. In specific embodiments,the rollable ribbons discussed herein may be in a rolled configurationwith the cable, and an end of the ribbon may be returned to the unrolledposition to be coupled to an optical connector, such as via use of masssplicing equipment.

In various embodiments, the structure and/or material properties ofribbon matrix 12 discussed herein provides for an improved ribbon thatbalances rollability with fiber support. In various embodiments, ribbonmatrix 12 only partially surrounds optical fibers 16. In contrast tonon-rollable conventional optical ribbons in which the ribbon matrixcompletely surrounds the optical fibers, it is believed the rollabilityof ribbon 10 is enhanced by providing a ribbon matrix 12 that partiallysurrounds optical fibers 16. In this arrangement, the partialsurrounding of optical fibers 16 provided by ribbon matrix 12 results ina ribbon 10 in which the outermost surface of ribbon 10 on one side ofthe ribbon (e.g., the upper side in the orientation of FIG. 2) isdefined by surface 38 of ribbon matrix 12, and the outermost surface ofribbon 10 on the opposite side of the ribbon (e.g., the lower side inthe orientation of FIG. 2) is defined by outer surface 28 of opticalfibers 16.

Further, in this arrangement, ribbon matrix 12 is substantially locatedonly on one side of ribbon 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, at least90% of the material of ribbon matrix 12 is located on one side (e.g.,above) of central fiber plane 30. In a specific embodiment, all orsubstantially all (e.g., greater than 99%) of ribbon matrix 12 islocated on one side of central fiber plane 30. In such embodiments,without ribbon matrix 12 extending downward between adjacent opticalfibers 16, optical fibers 16 are allowed to abut each other such thatouter surface 28 of each optical fiber 16 contacts the outer surface 28of at least one other optical fiber 16. As shown in FIG. 2, each of theinterior optical fibers 16 abuts two adjacent optical fibers 16.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, ribbon matrix 12 is a substantiallycontiguous ribbon matrix. In the embodiment shown, ribbon matrix 12 iscontiguous (e.g., an unbroken, integral unitary body with no gaps orholes) in the lengthwise direction for at least 10 cm, specifically forat least 50 cm and more specifically for at least 1 m. In a specificembodiment, ribbon matrix 12 is contiguous (e.g., an unbroken, integralunitary body with no gaps or holes) in the lengthwise direction for theentire length of the ribbon. In addition, ribbon matrix 12 is contiguousin the widthwise direction such that ribbon matrix 12 extends over atleast two of the optical fibers 16. In the specific embodiment shown,ribbon matrix 12 is contiguous in the widthwise direction such thatribbon matrix 12 extends over all of the optical fibers 16 of ribbon 10.Applicant believes that this arrangement provides suitable support andprotection to optical fibers 16 while also providing a rollable ribbon10.

Ribbon matrix 12 also has a thickness that provides a balance betweensuitable support and protection to optical fibers 16 and the rollabilityof ribbon 10. As shown in FIG. 2, ribbon matrix 12 has a maximumthickness shown as T1. In various embodiments, T1 is between 5 μm and150 μm. In other embodiments, T1 is less than 125 μm, is less than 100μm, is less than 50 μm, is less than 25 μm, and less than 10 μm. In someembodiments, T1 and the ranges discussed herein relate to an averagethickness of ribbon matrix 12.

Ribbon matrix 12 is also formed from a material, e.g., a polymermaterial, such as a thermoplastic material or a curable polymermaterial, having a modulus of elasticity that provides a balance betweensuitable support and protection to optical fibers 16 and the rollabilityof ribbon 10. In various embodiments, the modulus of elasticity of thematerial of ribbon matrix 12 is less than 1500 MPa. In some embodiments,the modulus of elasticity of the material of ribbon matrix 12 is greaterthan 1 MPa and less than 1500 MPa, specifically greater than 10 MPa andless than 1500 MPa, and in some embodiments is greater than 85 MPa andless than 1500 MPa.

In some embodiments, ribbon matrix 12 is formed from a single layer ofpolymer material having a modulus of elasticity greater than 10 MPa andless than 100 MPa. In other embodiments, ribbon matrix 12 is comprisedof two layers, an inner layer and an outer layer. In some embodiments,the inner layer is in contact with optical fibers 16 and the outer layerdefines the outer surface of the ribbon. In specific embodiments, theinner layer has a modulus of elasticity less than 1.5 MPa, and the outerlayer has a modulus of elasticity greater than 1000 MPa. In specificembodiments, the total thickness of the two layer ribbon matrix 12 isless than 40 microns, and in other embodiments, is less than 30 microns,or is less than 20 microns in still other embodiments.

In various embodiments, ribbon matrix 12 and optical fibers 16 may beconfigured to facilitate identification and connectorization of ribbon10. In such embodiments, ribbon matrix 12 and/or optical fibers 16 mayinclude coloring or printed indicia to identify the type, location,etc., of optical fibers 16 within ribbon 10.

Referring to FIG. 4, another optical ribbon, shown as rollable opticalfiber ribbon 50, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Ribbon50 is substantially similar to ribbon 10 except as discussed herein.Ribbon 50 includes a ribbon body including a plurality of alternatingribbon bridges, shown as upper webs 52 and lower webs 54. In general,webs 52 and 54 are bands of polymer material that are coupled betweenouter surfaces 28 of adjacent optical fibers 16. Webs 52 and 54 arecontiguous in the lengthwise direction and each extends over at leasttwo optical fibers 16. Webs 52 and 54 are spaced from central fiberplane 30 such that outermost, planar surfaces of webs 52 and 54 aresubstantially parallel to fiber plane 30 and are positioned tangentiallyto the outer surface 28 of adjacent fiber pairs.

In the embodiment shown, each web 52 and 54 extends over and is coupledto two optical fibers 16. Webs 52 and 54 are positioned on alternatingsides of ribbon 10 such that in the horizontal direction one web 54 islocated between adjacent pairs of webs 52. Further, webs 52 and 54alternately define the uppermost and lowermost surfaces of ribbon 50 atthe positions of webs 52 and 54. In this embodiment, webs 52 and 54 arerelatively thin having a thickness between 5 microns and 150 microns.Further, it is believed that the alternating positioning of webs 52 and54 allows ribbon 50 to be rolled in either direction, and by offsettingwebs 52 and 54 from central fiber plane 30, bending strain on the ribbonmaterial may be reduced.

Referring to FIG. 5, another optical ribbon, shown as rollable opticalfiber ribbon 60, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Ribbon60 is substantially similar to ribbon 10, except as discussed herein.Ribbon 60 includes a ribbon body including a plurality of ribbonbridges, shown as webs 62. In general, webs 62 are bands of polymermaterial that are coupled between outer surfaces 28 of adjacent opticalfibers 16. Webs 62 are contiguous in the lengthwise direction and eachextends between the outer surfaces of two adjacent optical fibers 16.Webs 62 are spaced from central fiber plane 30 such that outermost,planar surfaces of webs 62 are substantially parallel to fiber plane 30,and webs 62 are located below the outermost portion of surface 28. Invarious embodiments, the angular positioning of webs 62 relative to thecentral fiber plan 30 is shown by angle A. In various embodiments, angleA is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, specifically isbetween 5 degrees and 45 degrees, and more specifically is between 10degrees and 20 degrees. In a specific embodiment, angle A is about 15degrees (e.g., 15 degrees plus or minus 1 degree). In variousembodiments, webs 62 have a thickness between 5 microns and 75 microns.

Referring to FIG. 6, ribbon 60 is shown in the rolled or curved positionaccording to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, ribbon 60 isrolled such that webs 62 face outward from rolled ribbon 60. Further,ribbon 60 is rolled defining an angle B between center points of twoadjacent optical fibers 16, as measured from a horizontal plane 64. Ingeneral angle B represents the degree of bend allowed by webs 62. Invarious embodiments, angle B is between 10 degrees and 90 degrees,specifically is between 15 degrees and 45 degrees and more specificallyis about 30 degrees (e.g., 30 degrees plus or minus 1 degree). In anembodiment in which ribbon 60 includes 6 optical fibers 16, webs 62allow ribbon 60 to be rolled into a hexagonal array as shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 7, ribbon 60 is shown in the rolled or curved positionaccording to another exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, ribbon 60is rolled such that webs 62 face inward toward the longitudinal axis ofrolled ribbon 60. In various embodiments, webs 62 may be formed frommaterial having elasticity that allows ribbon 60 to be rolled in boththe configuration shown in FIG. 6 and in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 8, another optical ribbon, shown as rollable opticalfiber ribbon 70, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Ribbon70 is substantially similar to ribbon 10 except as discussed herein.Ribbon 70 includes eight optical fibers 16 supported by ribbon matrix12. Ribbon 70 includes a plurality of strength elements, shown as aramidyarn strands 72, supported from ribbon matrix 12. In the embodimentshown, aramid yarn strands 72 are located in the center of ribbon 70such that two end groups of optical fibers 16 are formed. In otherembodiments, aramid yarn strands 72 may be positioned at any otherpositions within ribbon matrix 12. Further, in other embodiments, ribbon70 may include other strength elements, such as steel wire, glassreinforced plastics, other strength yarn types, etc., in place of aramidyarn strands 72.

Referring to FIG. 9, another optical ribbon, shown as rollable opticalfiber ribbon 80, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Ribbon80 is substantially similar to ribbon 10 except as discussed herein.Ribbon 80 includes one or more regions, shown as regions 82, withinribbon matrix 12 that is formed from a different material than the restof ribbon matrix 12. In some such embodiments, regions 82 are formedfrom a polymer material having a lower modulus of elasticity than therest of ribbon matrix 12. Further, regions 82 may be formed from amaterial that has low bonding with the material forming the rest ofribbon matrix 12, and in yet other embodiments, regions 82 may bethinner than adjacent regions of ribbon matrix 12. In such embodiments,regions 82 act as separation points allowing groups of optical fibers 16to be separated from each other. In specific embodiments, regions 82 areformed from a polymer material having a modulus of elasticity lower thanthat of the material forming the rest of ribbon matrix 12, and themodulus of elasticity of the material of regions 82 is between 0.5 and1000 MPa. In other embodiments, ribbon 80 may include other tearfeatures, ripcords, scores, etc. in place of or in addition to regions82. In specific embodiments, regions 82 may be colored differently fromthe rest of ribbon matrix 12 or include printed indicia that provides anindication of the location of regions 82. In some embodiments, regions82 may extend the entire length of ribbon 80, and in other embodiments,regions 82 may only be located at certain portions along the length ofribbon 80 providing differing accessibility to optical fibers 16, alongthe length of ribbon 80.

Referring to FIG. 10, another optical ribbon, shown as rollable opticalfiber ribbon 90, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Ribbon90 is substantially similar to ribbon 70 except as discussed herein. Inthis embodiment, ribbon matrix 12 of ribbon 90 includes a region 92 inwhich aramid yarn strands 72 are supported. In such embodiments, region92 may be similar to regions 82 in that region 92 has a lower modulus ofelasticity than the rest of ribbon matrix 12, which facilitatesseparation of aramid yarn strands 72 from optical fibers 16. Suchseparation of aramid yarn strands 72 may be desirable during someconnectorization procedures.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show an optical fiber ribbon 100 in various curved orrolled configurations. It should be understood that optical fiber ribbon100 may be any of the optical fiber ribbon embodiments discussed herein.As shown in FIG. 11, optical fiber ribbon 100 may be rolled into anon-circular shape in which optical fibers 16 surround longitudinalribbon axis 36. As shown in FIG. 12, optical fiber ribbon 100 may berolled into a spiral shape in which most of the optical fibers 16surround longitudinal ribbon axis 36 and the innermost end optical fiber16, resides at or near longitudinal ribbon axis 36. In some embodiments,the rolled arrangements shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, may allow ribbon 100to be stranded or otherwise located within a cable without first beinglocated within a buffer tube.

In various embodiments, when an optical fiber ribbon containing glassoptical fibers, such as ribbon 100, is rolled or folded into anon-planar array, the minimum bending stiffness tends to increasesignificantly because there will no longer exist a bend axis that allowsall of the glass fibers to occupy the neutral axis. As a result, notonly will the rolled ribbon be stiffer than a planar ribbon, but alsothe material of the ribbon body may also be subject to significant shearstress in order to maintain the rolled ribbon as a coherent compositestructure. In some embodiments, the material of the ribbon bodiesdiscussed herein have sufficient strength and elasticity to resist theforces associated with stranding of the rolled ribbon 100 into a cableand also those forces associated with the bending of the cable as it isstored, installed and put in use. In other embodiments, the ribbonbodies discussed herein are designed to intentionally separate at moremoderate stress levels, relieving stress as needed while remainingintact at sufficient intervals along the length to provide the intendedfiber organization benefit.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the various ribbon embodiments discussedherein may be located within a polymeric buffer tube 110, which in turnmay be incorporated into a fiber optic cable. As shown in FIG. 13,optical fiber ribbon 70, which includes embedded aramid yarn strands 72,may be rolled and located within buffer tube 110 without additionalloose strength elements. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, anoptical fiber ribbon without embedded strength elements, such as opticalfiber ribbon 80, may be rolled and located within buffer tube 110, andadditional loose strength elements, shown as loose aramid yarn strands112, may be included within buffer tube 110. In other embodiments, therollable optical fiber ribbons discussed herein may be used withincables without buffer tubes surrounding the ribbons. In suchembodiments, the rolled optical fiber ribbons may be directly positionedwithin a cable jacket and may be stranded around a central strengthmember.

In various embodiments, the ribbon bodies discussed herein may be formedby applying a polymer material, such as a UV curable polymer material,around optical fibers 16 in the desired arrangement to form a particularribbon body. The polymer material is then cured forming the integral,contiguous ribbon body while also coupling the ribbon body to theoptical fibers. In other embodiments, the ribbon bodies discussed hereinmay be formed from any suitable polymer material, includingthermoplastic materials and thermoset materials.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary tool for forming a ribbon body. Tool 120consists of a block of abrasion resistant material bored with a seriesof fiber channels 122 to guide an array of optical fibers 16 that arepulled through tool 120. Resin channels 124 convey liquid resin in apath that intersects fiber channels 122 at the exit of the tool. UVcurable liquid resin as an example could be applied using the tool andimmediately cured by the use of UV lamps positioned at the tool exit toform the polymer ribbon bodies discussed herein. In various embodiments,the shape of the interface between fiber channels 122 and resin channels124 may be configured to form any of the ribbon body shapes discussedherein. Further, to form ribbons (such as ribbons 10, 60, 70, 80 and 90)in which the ribbon body is only on one side of optical fibers 16, tool120 would be operated to supply resin only through either the upperseries or through the lower series of resin channels 124. To form aribbon, such as ribbon 50 having ribbon body portions on both sides ofthe ribbon resin would be supplied through both the upper series andthrough the lower series of resin channels 124.

Referring to FIG. 16, in various embodiments, any of the ribbonsdiscussed herein may be incorporated into a cable, such as cable 130.Cable 130 includes a polymeric cable jacket 132 and a elongate strengthmember 134 (e.g., a GRP rod, metal wire, etc.) located within cablejacket 132. A plurality of optical fiber ribbon containing buffer tubes110 surround strength member 134, and each buffer tube 110 includes anoptical fiber ribbon, such as ribbon 70 discussed above. It should beunderstood however that cable 130 may include any of the ribbonembodiments discussed herein in any combination. In various embodiments,a binding element, such as a helically wound binder yarn or thin filmbinder, may be located to the outside of buffer tubes 110 andsurrounding buffer tubes 110 and may act to hold buffer tubes 110 in astranded pattern (e.g., an SZ stranding pattern) around strength member134. In other embodiments, cable 130 includes no binding element. Invarious embodiments, cable 130 may include rolled ribbons located withinthe cable without buffer tubes 110. In such embodiments, the ribbons maybe rolled and then stranded around strength member 134. In some suchembodiments, cable 130 may optionally include a binding elementsurrounding the rolled ribbons, and the binding element acts to bind therolled ribbons to strength member 134. In various embodiments, eachrolled ribbon may be surrounded by a binder element that helps hold therolled ribbon in the rolled position, and in some such embodiments, thebinder element may be color-coded to help identify a particular ribbonwithin cable 130. In some other embodiments, cable 130 may include oneor more strength member (e.g., a GRP rod, metal wire, etc.) embeddedwithin jacket 132 in place of or in addition to strength member 134, andin some such embodiments, the optical fiber ribbons are located withincable 130 without buffer tubes.

It should understood that the optical ribbons discussed herein caninclude various numbers of optical fibers 16. In various exemplaryembodiments, the optical ribbons discussed herein may include 2, 4, 6,8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 24 etc. optical fibers or transmission elements(e.g., optical fibers 16). While the ribbon embodiments discussed hereinare shown having optical fibers 16 arranged in a substantially parallel,linear array, optical fibers 16 may be arranged in a square array,rectangular array, a staggered array, or any other spatial pattern thatmay be desirable for a particular application. In various embodiments,optical fibers 16 can include a wide variety of optical fibers includingmulti-mode fibers, single mode fibers, bend insensitive/resistantfibers, etc. In other embodiment, the optical ribbons discussed hereinmay include a multi-core optical fiber located within ribbon matrix 12.In this embodiment, a single, integral optical structure having multipleoptical transmission elements (e.g., multiple optical cores surroundedby cladding) may be provided, and the single multi-core optical fiber isembedded in one of the stress-isolating ribbon matrix embodiments and/orcoated with a coating layer (e.g., coating layer 26) as discussedherein. In specific exemplary embodiments, optical fibers 16 may beCorning's Ultra® SMF-28, ClearCurve® LBL and ZBL G.652 compatibleoptical fibers.

In various embodiments, the optical fiber ribbon embodiments discussedherein may include optical fibers that do not include coating layer 26.In these embodiments, cladding 24 defines the outer surface of opticalfibers 16. In these embodiments, the inner surface of the innermostribbon body layer contacts the outer surface of cladding 24. In anothersuch embodiment, the ribbon body may include a single inner most layerformed from the high modulus material of coating layer 26.

The optical fibers discussed herein may be flexible, transparent opticalfibers made of glass or plastic. The fibers may function as a waveguideto transmit light between the two ends of the optical fiber. Opticalfibers may include a transparent core surrounded by a transparentcladding material with a lower index of refraction. Light may be kept inthe core by total internal reflection. Glass optical fibers may comprisesilica, but some other materials such as fluorozirconate,fluoroaluminate, and chalcogenide glasses, as well as crystallinematerials, such as sapphire, may be used. The light may be guided downthe core of the optical fibers by an optical cladding with a lowerrefractive index that traps light in the core through total internalreflection. The cladding may be coated by a buffer and/or anothercoating(s) that protects it from moisture and/or physical damage. Thesecoatings may be UV-cured urethane acrylate composite materials appliedto the outside of the optical fiber during the drawing process. Thecoatings may protect the strands of glass fiber.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intendedthat any particular order be inferred.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit or scope of the disclosed embodiments. Since modificationscombinations, sub-combinations and variations of the disclosedembodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the embodimentsmay occur to persons skilled in the art, the disclosed embodimentsshould be construed to include everything within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical fiber ribbon comprising: a pluralityof optical fibers; a ribbon body coupled to and supporting the pluralityof optical fibers, the ribbon body formed from a first polymericmaterial; and a separation region, wherein the separation region isformed from a second polymer material having a lower modulus ofelasticity than the first polymeric material.
 2. The optical fiberribbon of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of optical fibersincludes a central axis extending through a center point of an opticalcore such that when the optical ribbon is in an unrolled position, atleast 90% of the first polymeric material of the ribbon body is locatedon one side of central axes of the plurality of optical fibers.
 3. Theoptical fiber ribbon of claim 1, wherein when the optical ribbon is inthe unrolled position, all of the first polymeric material of the ribbonbody is located on one side of central axes of the plurality of opticalfibers.
 4. The optical fiber ribbon of claim 1, wherein the secondpolymer material has a modulus of elasticity that is between 0.5 and1000 MPA.
 5. The optical fiber ribbon of claim 1, wherein the firstpolymeric material has a modulus of elasticity greater than 85 MPa andless than 1500 MPa.
 6. The optical fiber ribbon of claim 1, wherein theseparation region is thinner than adjacent portions of the ribbon body.7. The optical fiber ribbon of claim 1, wherein the separation regionextends an entire length of the optical fiber ribbon.
 8. The opticalfiber ribbon of claim 1, wherein the separation region is located onlyalong portions of an entire length of the optical fiber ribbon providingdiffering accessibility to the plurality of optical fibers along theentire length.
 9. The optical fiber ribbon of claim 1, wherein theseparation region is a plurality of separation regions that separate theoptical fiber ribbon into distinct groups of optical fibers.
 10. Theoptical fiber ribbon of claim 9, wherein the plurality of separationregions separates a twelve-fiber ribbon into three groups of fouroptical fibers.
 11. The optical fiber ribbon of claim 1, wherein theseparation region is colored differently from the ribbon body.
 12. Anoptical fiber ribbon comprising: a plurality of optical fibers; a ribbonbody coupled to and supporting the plurality of optical fibers, theribbon body formed from upper webs and lower webs, each of the upper andlower webs comprising a polymer material that couples outer surfaces ofadjacent fibers, wherein the upper webs and the lower webs are formed onalternating sides of the ribbon such that in a horizontal direction ofthe ribbon one of the upper or lower webs is positioned between anadjacent pair of the other of the upper or lower webs on the alternateside of the ribbon.
 13. The optical fiber ribbon of claim 12, whereinthe upper and lower webs have a thickness between 5 and 150 microns. 14.The optical fiber ribbon of claim 12, wherein the upper and lower websare contiguous in a lengthwise direction and each of the upper and lowerwebs extends over at least two optical fibers.
 15. The optical fiberribbon of claim 12, wherein the optical fiber ribbon defines a centralfiber plane, and wherein the upper and lower webs are spaced from thecentral fiber plane such that outermost, planar surfaces of the upperand lower webs are substantially parallel to the fiber plane and arepositioned tangentially to an outer surface of adjacent fiber pairs.